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Books
Arts

These 'Empty Words' Are Full Of Life

7:00am May 23, 2019

by Lily Meyer

The late Uruguayan novelist Mario Levrero was known for his gleeful weirdness. Empty Words follows a writer who tries to cure his block by writing boring nothings — and it's anything but boring.

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'Nuking The Moon' Looks At Intelligence And Military Schemes That Didn't Make It

6:03pm May 22, 2019

Nuking the Moon is a new book that chronicles the history of unusual confidential military projects.

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Kenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina, seen here during a January 2014 interview in Nairobi, has died at the age of 48. A founder of the Nairobi-based literary network Kwani?, Wainaina had come out as gay in a country where homosexuality was illegal.

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Arts

Binyavanga Wainaina, Kenyan Writer And LGBTQ Activist, Dies At 48

1:31pm May 22, 2019

by Colin Dwyer

The author founded a platform for young Kenyan authors and came out as gay in a place where homosexuality has long been illegal. "Binyavanga was unbound in his imagining," said a friend and colleague.

Former U.S. President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt.

'Theodore Roosevelt For The Defense' Makes A Libel Case Into Gripping Reading

12:40pm May 22, 2019

by Michael Schaub

Gifted writers Dan Abrams and David Fisher, who previously brought us Lincoln's Last Trial, are clearly fascinated by how Teddy Roosevelt's court case played out — bringing an enthusiasm to readers.

Joe Namath speaks during halftime of a New York Jets game in 2018. As quarterback, he led the Jets to a Super Bowl win in 1969.

He Could Go 'All The Way': Joe Namath Enters His 4th Quarter

11:26am May 22, 2019

by David Greene

In a new autobiography, the great NFL quarterback details his ups (like a Super Bowl victory) and downs (like the Suzy Kolber incident and alcoholism) as he stares down his legacy.

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'Dementia Reimagined' Asks: Can There Be Happiness For Those With Memory Loss?

4:47pm May 21, 2019

by Terry Gross

While caring for her mother, who had dementia, bioethicist Tia Powell began imagining a different way to approach the disease. Her new book looks at long-term care options and end-of-life decisions.

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Arts

'Unfreedom Of The Press' Is Full Of Bombast And Bile

8:01am May 21, 2019

by Annalisa Quinn

Right-wing Fox host Mark Levin conducts no interviews and offers no original research in his book; it is little more than a free gift with purchase: People are instead buying his message to the media.

Books
Arts

Kamchatka Is A Rich Backdrop For Mystery In 'Disappearing Earth'

7:00am May 21, 2019

by Bethanne Patrick

Julia Phillips' debut novel takes readers through a year following the disappearance of two little girls in the remote Russian province of Kamchatka — and the way that disappearance reverberates.

Books

Jim Sciutto On Tactics Russia And China Use To Attack The U.S.

6:36am May 21, 2019

NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to CNN anchor Jim Sciutto about his book: The Shadow War: Inside Russia's and China's Secret Operations to Defeat America.

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Tony Horwitz On Drinking Across The Political Aisle

4:26pm May 20, 2019

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author has spent the last two years in the South, embracing what he calls “bar-stool democracy.”